Another sunny start to the day, but by the afternoon it did start to cloud over. Main highlights today were 3 Stonechats in the Butterfly Reserve, but this time the West Reserve. Definitely a male and 2 female. Also here were 6 Chiffchaffs and a Willow Warbler. The latter singing!!
Also about were 50+ Meadow Pipits in the horse paddock, whilst flying over head there were 70+ Linnet heading south. The latter doubt heading for the Crown Estate Fields. Two Siskins seen and heard flying north
Around the pool area there were singles of Chiffchaff and Blackcap.
Much fewer butterflies, bees and hoverflies about.
Here are a few images from today:
In the butterfly reserve I came across this male Stonechat having a good munch on this green caterpillar.
Today though there were 2 females. This one and..........
...........the second bird not far away.
It was pretty windy, so not the best of hand held videos.
So many Meadow Pipits
This one is being extra cautious as 2 Kestrels pass over head.
These pipits are in good nick and just look at those orange legs.
If they aren't on the ground feeding, then they are usually up on the wire fences.
One of the local Herrings sat on top of a Portland Stone Cutter.
With Storm Alex just about to hit our shores, I wonder if this Pampas Grass will still be standing after the next few days.
Panic as Ted realises I have walked on and left him.
Yep he's spotted me
Birds Recorded: 1 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel, Herring Gull, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, 50+ Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, 3 Stonechat, Blackbird, 1 Blackcap, 7 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, 70+ Linnet, 2 Siskin and Goldfinch
Butterflies Recorded: Large White, Speckled Wood, Red Admiral and a Common Blue
Bees Recorded: Honey Bees (Apis mellifera), Ivy Bee (Colletes hederae) and Common Carder (Bombus pascuorum)
Hoverflies Recorded: Common Dronefly (Eristalis tenax)
Ships Today
This is the Vehicles Carrier "Glovis Clipper" flying the flag of the Bahamas. It is on its way from Antwerp (Belgium) to Port Said (Egypt). More on this vessel Here.
This is the Danish Tanker "Bro Designer" just off The Bill. More on this vessel Here.
This is the Cypriot Container ship "BG Sapphire" on its way from Rotterdam to Cork. More on this vessel Here.
This is the Maltese Tanker "Monjasa Provider" on its way from Brest (France) to Portland. More on this vessel Here.
On the right is the Italian Tug "Carlo Martello". It appears to be.....................
It appears to be towing a rig of some sort on a barge. Unfortunately there are no details of the barge.
More on this Tug Here.